Each year, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide toss their junk computers in the garbage, perhaps unaware of the incredible damage its battery juice, plastic parts, metal alloys can do to the environment.

If you’re considering getting rid of a computer, and are looking for options on how to properly dispose of it, you’ve come to the right place.

Instead of throwing away your computer, consider donating it to a local school, thrift store, or someone in need. Each dumped computer represents a wasted opportunity for someone to become educated on the technology available to them in today’s world.

If you consider this route, visit your local computer store (Staples, Best Buy, Apple, Radioshack, to name a few), and ask them how you can help. Check your local schools to see if they have any programs in place for students to sign up for recycled computers. The number of people in your area without access to technology may surprise you.

Perhaps your computer is broken beyond repair. If this is the case, then visit Earth911 or Dell-Goodwill Reconnect to learn of recycling locations near you to drop off your junked computer. Do your research to make sure that the recycler you give your old piece of hardware is a responsible recycler. There are way too many horror stories about irresponsible recyclers for you to avoid a quick background check.

If you donate your computer, remember to erase its hard drive and clear all your personal information. This will protect you from password hackers and identity theft. Also, if there’s an off-chance that your computer has a virus, this will protect the future user of your old computer from virtual harm.

Keep a list of everything you donate. Not only is this useful for saving money on taxes, but it will also show you just how much you’ve contributed to eco-conservation by reusing and recycling each year.

Image source: www.borntolearn.mslearn.net

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